The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal John Francis Higgins (MCSN: 2420162), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company E, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 December 1968, Lance Corporal Higgins was Point Man during a patrol in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms fire from a large enemy force occupying fortified bunker complex. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lance Corporal Higgins fearlessly remained in front of his squad as he participated in a determined assault upon the hostile emplacements until his unit was forced to withdraw to a more advantageous position in the face of the intense enemy fire. Alertly observing several wounded Marines lying in a dangerously exposed location, he boldly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to assist his injured companions. As his squad launched a second assault upon the hostile positions, Lance Corporal Higgins sighted a fatally injured Marine lying within five meters of a heavily defended bunker, and completely disregarding his own safety, he unhesitatingly commenced crawling forward toward his wounded comrade. Ignoring the intense volume of hostile rounds impacting near him, he resolutely advanced across fifty meters of hazardous terrain, and when he reached the casualty, Lance Corporal Higgins was mortally wounded by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. His daring initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, heroic efforts and steadfast devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Higgins upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.